DENR eyes NAPWC as new home for 'Lolong'

bybayanihanonSeptember 29, 2011

By Catherine J. Teves

MANILA, Sept. 29 - Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Sec. Ramon Paje eyes the possibility of making Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center (NAPWC) in Quezon City as the new home of 21 foot-long 'Lolong,' reportedly the world's largest crocodile in captivity and caught in Agusan waters early this month.

NAPWC has a seven-hectare lagoon which is a better habitat for that crocodile than the 800-square meter pen where it is now, he said Thursday during a briefing in Metro Manila.

Aside from helping increase tourist arrival at NAPWC, he said the crocodile's presence in this park will better help educate more people about protecting the country's biodiversity.

Paje said DENR could donate to the local government of Agusan del Sur province's Bunawan municipality, where 'Lolong' is under captivity at present, proceeds that NAPWC could generate from hosting the controversial crocodile.